Friday, January 16, 2015

The Union will
train at the Joe Dimaggio Sports Complex, located across the street
from the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training site, Bright House
Field.

“We
are thrilled to be moving our spring training operations to the
beautiful city of Clearwater,” said Philadelphia Union CEO and operating
partner Nick Sakiewicz. “For
more than 60 years Clearwater has proven to be a world class host to
the Philadelphia Phillies and we look forward to forging a long
tradition and relationship with both parties. I want to thank Mayor
Cretekos, the Clearwater City Council and the Administration
for their support of our agreement as we now aspire to create that long
term tradition in Clearwater as our friends at the Phillies have done
over the last 60 plus years.”

The
Union will make two trips to Clearwater throughout the month of
February, including a two-week stay at the end of the month from Feb. 16 – Feb. 28 to participate in the
IMG Tournament in Bradenton, Fla.

“Clearwater
has had a very strong connection with Philadelphia through the
Phillies, and now its residents have another through the Philadelphia
Union,” said George Cretekos,
Mayor of Clearwater. “Clearwater begins its 100th anniversary of its
incorporation as a city in 2015, and Philadelphia Union locating its
spring training in Clearwater gives the city another reason to
celebrate. We welcome the Philadelphia Union and its fans
because while baseball is the national pastime, soccer belongs to the
world. Clearwater looks forward to celebrating a MLS Championship with
the team and Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia begins spring training in Clearwater on Feb. 2 as it prepares for a preseason match against North American Soccer League (NASL) start-up Jacksonville Armada
FC at EverBank Field on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. The Union will also square off against Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Joe Dimaggio Sports Complex on Feb. 10, before returning home on Feb. 12.

Clearwater
is the site of spring training for the Phillies, who
have trained in the city for 68 years. The Phillies have played spring
training games at Bright
House Field since its opening in 2004.

The Union
and the Phillies have always shared feeling of ‘brotherly love’ with
prior cross-promotions and staff, including Dave Rowan, former GM of the
Clearwater Phillies and current Union Chief
Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President.

"I
have no doubt that I speak on behalf of the entire City of Clearwater
when I say that we are thrilled to have another Philadelphia
professional sports team call Clearwater
its Spring Training home,” said Phillies Director of Florida
Operations, John Timberlake. "We are eager to welcome the Philadelphia
Union to beautiful Clearwater, giving both visitors and residents the
opportunity to experience the excitement of Philadelphia
sports in sunny Florida."